Spokane rental property owners face new eviction rules

City leaders aim to curb post-pandemic eviction spikes, but some small property owners worry about costs and vacant units

Feb. 9, 2026 at 12:55am

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Spokane landlords will soon have to follow new eviction-prevention rules that require written notice of local assistance programs and a 30-day participation in an eviction prevention program before evicting for unpaid rent. City leaders say the change aims to curb post-pandemic eviction spikes, while some small property owners worry about the potential costs and impact of vacant units.

Why it matters

The new eviction rules are intended to provide more support and protections for Spokane renters who may have fallen behind on payments due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some landlords are concerned that the additional requirements could create financial challenges and lead to more vacant rental properties in the city.

The details

The new eviction rules in Spokane will require landlords to provide written notice to tenants about local rental assistance programs and allow for a 30-day participation in an eviction prevention program before they can evict someone for non-payment of rent. City leaders believe these measures will help prevent a wave of evictions as pandemic-era protections expire, but some small property owners worry the changes could lead to increased costs and vacant units if tenants choose not to participate in the programs.

  • The new eviction rules in Spokane will go into effect in the coming months.

The players

Spokane landlords

Rental property owners in the city of Spokane who will be required to follow the new eviction prevention rules.

Spokane city leaders

Local government officials in Spokane who have implemented the new eviction rules in an effort to curb potential post-pandemic eviction spikes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The new eviction rules in Spokane are expected to go into effect in the coming months, and landlords will need to begin following the new requirements at that time.

The takeaway

The new eviction rules in Spokane aim to provide more support and protections for renters, but they also raise concerns from some landlords about the potential financial impacts and increased vacancies. The changes highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing the needs of both renters and property owners in the post-pandemic housing landscape.